Celebrate the New Year with Ms. Dress-Up and our 1st annual New Year's Sale. This is an excellent way of stocking up on seasonal decorations and accessories and buying costumes, makeup, wigs and hats at a fraction of the original price. Visit our store to view the selection while quantities last. Sale ends January 6th, 2007.

For the second year in a row, Ms. Dress-Up is delighted to create costumes for the holiday season at historic Casa Loma. This delightful backdrop features walk around fairies, Men in Tights production of Peter Pan and of course Santa and his elves. The theme for this December holiday is magic, fairies and adventures in Neverland. For more information and how to purchase tickets, go to their website www.casaloma.org


Magical Fairies of the Castle


Check presentation to The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund by Peter and Crew

Class of 97/98 on our school trip to London

Ms. Dress-Up was proud to participate at the gala reception welcoming grads and non grads back from the last 35 years. Ms. Dress-Up (aka Heidi Loney - Class of 97) along with fellow graduate Jennifer Klein of secrets from your sister, displayed products and photos featuring their work from this past decade. Former students who have gone on to become lighting, costume and set designers, also displayed their work. Professors, heads of departments and academics alike mingled with former and current students. A slew of smartly dressed volunteers welcomed guests. The reception also featured theatre school production posters, video of former productions and a costume display of period costumes cut and sewn by Ryerson students over the years.

For me, it was a great chance to catch up with old friends and see teachers and staff from my not so distant past.

Source Health Canada

• Look for costumes, beards and wigs labelled "Flame-Resistant" -- nylon or heavyweight polyester costumes are best. Flame Resistant does not mean 'fire proof'. Avoid costumes with baggy sleeves or flowing skirts and capes to minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources. Costumes made of flimsy materials have been found to burn more quickly when exposed to fire sources. Cotton and cotton-blend fabrics will catch fire and burn more quickly than most synthetics.
• All costumes can burn when exposed to an open flame or other fire sources. Costumes sold in Canada must meet flammability requirements. Health Canada reminds parents to keep lighters and matches out of the sight and reach of children, and to ensure that open flames cannot be accessed by children. It is also important to teach children that if their clothing does catch fire to “Stop, Drop, and Roll”
• Avoid buying used and homemade costumes from yard sales and garage sales, as they may not meet safety standards required by manufacturers. Also, avoid buying old makeup and face paint, as it has a shelf life and may have spoiled.
• October 31 can be a chilly night so make sure that costumes are loose enough to be worn over warm clothing but not so baggy or long that trick or treaters can trip over their costumes. Try on costumes before Halloween to allow time for altering. Hem your costumes so you don't trip and fall.
• Trick-or-treaters should wear sturdy walking shoes. Double tie your shoelaces so you don't trip.
• Choose brightly-coloured costumes that will be clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility, add or incorporate reflective tape into the costume. Add glow in the dark necklaces and bracelets for a fun decorative addition.
• Make-up and face paint are better than wearing masks which can restrict breathing and/or vision. Make-up should be hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Most face paints are safe for children over 3 years of age. Check manufacturer labels if unsure. If an older child chooses to use a mask, make sure it is one that allows the child to see and breathe easily.
• Avoid the use of swords, knives and similar accessories when trick or treating to avoid tripping hazards or only carry ones made of soft, flexible material.

Halloween is Big Business for Toronto Small Business

October 19, 2006, Toronto, Ontario – Forget Christmas! Halloween is the festive season that Toronto costume company Ms. Dress-up looks most forward to each year.

Founded in 2002 by Ryerson theatre grad and costume designer Heidi Loney, Ms. Dress-up is a boutique shop that not only specializes in custom created costumes but also sells and rents a quality selection of children, teen and adult costumes.

According to Ms. Loney, the year’s most popular costumes for both adults and kids are pirates, princesses and witches. Ms. Dress-up has designated its six month old Dundas and Dufferin location as “Pirate Headquarters” to meet the demand for aspiring Jack Sparrows.

And while Ms. Dress-up maintains a wide assortment of costumes for all ages available right off the rack, she often receives special requests for custom costumes for corporate events, national ad campaigns, theatrical productions and discerning masqueraders. Costumes can also be ordered through Ms. Dress-up’s e-store at www.msdress-up.com or by visiting the store at 1461 Dundas Street West.

“We recognize that there are lots of choices out there for consumers renting or purchasing a costume. We try to make the experience as painless and as enjoyable as possible.” says Ms. Loney. “We want our clients to feel confident that they have made the right choice by coming to us.”

Because of Ms. Loney’s extensive training in costume construction and her vast experience in theatre, film and television, she knows what goes into making a good costume and she understands the psychology of the person that wears it. “Women want to be sexy and men want to be macho.” she says knowingly.

According to Ms. Loney, “Whether you are an adult or a child, a costume represents a persona and an attitude. To be successful for the wearer, a costume must be built well, must be comfortable and must enable them to assume a character. In our experience, a costume is more than just a garment.”

Ms. Dress-up will be extending their hours and increasing their staff levels in the days leading up to Halloween to accommodate demand. Ms. Loney doesn’t encourage last minute shopping however as costumes will go quickly.

“Halloween is like Christmas-time for us because of all the excitement and the rushing around. It also generates approximately 40% of our annual sales.”

Ms. Dress will be open Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the days leading up to Halloween.